Deck ledger boards shall be nominal 2x lumber with a depth greater than or equal to the deck joists. Commercial decks attached to multi-family buildings, such as apartment buildings or businesses, are regulated under the International Building Code (IBC). This section cited in 34 Pa. Code §  47.235 (relating to wood railings); 34 Pa. Code §  47.234 (relating to metal railings other than pipe); and 34 Pa. Code §  47.235 (relating to wood railings). Such chains shall be taut when in place. (c)  Midrails. changes effective through 50 Pa.B. Middle railings shall be not less than 1 inch by 4 inches finished size. Construction in Pennsylvania, including the City of Pittsburgh, is regulated by the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act or PA Act No. Installing any deck that is more than 30” above ground level at any point around the perimeter ... We are currently utilizing the 2009 International Residential Code in Pennsylvania and will continue to do so until the end of 2012. Review the Deck Permit Submittal Guide (PDF) for permit and plan requirements. Pennsylvania has rules governing building construction which apply throughout the state. Note: Will require Zoning Approval Decks Requiring a Building Permit. When returning the Building Permit Application, the following items are required: A copy of the Zoning Permit. (a)  Toeboards shall be constructed in a permanent and substantial manner of metal, wood or other material that is equivalent in strength. An improperly constructed deck is, to put it simply, dangerous. Railing—A vertical barrier erected along the exposed edges of open-sided floors, working platforms, runways, balconies and openings in walls, floors and ground levels. (c)  Posts. Wood railings shall be not less than 2 inches by 4 inches finished size. Please direct comments or questions to. (b)  Midrails. Search for Pennsylvania building code information. R507.9 Deck attachment to building. Soil bearing capacity shall be minimum 2000 psf and the minimum compressive strength of concrete shall be 2500 psi (pounds per square inch). UCC Codes The UCC Administration and Enforcement regulation has adopted the following codes for use throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, effective 10/1/2018. Metal posts or uprights of other types used in connection with pipe railings shall be secured to the floor or structural frame in such manner as to achieve a rigidity equal to the requirements of existing and new post fastenings. The posts or uprights shall be of a section at least equal in strength to the minimum requirements for railings. construction must be completed in accordance with UCC-adopted building codes; and for which building permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy are required under the UCC without exception (Section 403.62(a)). (e)  Special fastenings. Reference should be made to Plate 5 of the Appendix. Building codes are in place to ensure safety, and virtually every state and municipality enforces codes for deck construction. Reference should be made to Plate 2 of the Appendix. Roof assemblies shall be designed and installed in accordance with this code and the approved manufacturer's installation instructions such that the roof assembly shall serve to protect the building or structure. Specially formed metal or cast posts, used in connection with wood railings, are acceptable if they meet the rigidity and strength requirements specified for these posts in § §  47.233—47.234 (relating to pipe railings; metal railings other than pipe). Reference should be made to Plate 6-A,B of the Appendix. Pro Tips on Building a Code-Compliant Deck By Rob Robillard. Building Codes for a Wood Deck. Sheet metal toeboards shall be at least 1/8 inch by 6 inches. (a)  Top rails. Improperly built decks can shift or collapse, injuring people in the process and causing damage to houses and other structures. Pipe railings shall be not less than 1 1/4 inches inside diameter if of iron and not less than 1 1/2 inches outside diameter if of brass tubing. This section cited in 34 Pa. Code §  47.282 (relating to wood posts). 6848 (November 28, 2020). (b)  Toeboards and intermediate rails are not required on platforms used only for storing lumber. All hardware must be non-corrosive. Railings shall be constructed in a permanent and substantial manner of wood, pipe, metal shapes or metal bars. “The Prescriptive Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide is fantastic. Weekdays: 7AM—4PM Weekends: Closed 610.430.0743 Specially formed metal or cast posts other than pipe are acceptable if they are equal in strength to a pipe post of the above diameter. This Subchapter sets forth rules to safeguard the lives, limbs and health of workers in industries in which railings, toeboards, open-sided floors, platforms and runways are used, and places the responsibility of complying with these rules upon both employer and employe.    Balcony—A working platform projecting from a wall. (f)  Chains. When returning the Building Permit Application, the following items are required:. A top railing of 1 inch by 4 inches finished size is acceptable if another board of not less than 1 inch by 4 inches finished size is securely fastened to the sides of the posts and to the top railing at approximately right angles to the top railing. Reference should be made to Plate 1-B of the Appendix. (3)  Platforms used for loading and unloading freight. Installing any deck that is more than 30” above ground level at any point around the perimeter ... We are currently utilizing the 2009 International Residential Code in Pennsylvania and will continue to do so until the end of 2012. 4. Each flange shall be secured by not less than four rivets or bolts of sufficient diameter to insure a permanent rigid anchorage. Do exemptions differ if a deck is attached to the house? Toeboards are not required in spaces guarded by chains. Building code requirements for exterior decking railings and stairways are especially stringent because decks fall into the category of critical health and safety matters. In connection with festooners, drying rooms and other operations which require the operator to frequently reach across the railings provided, the Department may accept railings not less than 36 inches high if they conform to all other requirements. On the closed sides of stairways, handrailings shall be supported by wall brackets which shall be spaced not more than four feet apart. Reference should be made to Plates 1, 2, 3 and 5 of the Appendix. – Understand how decks can fail and cause harm to the occupants. Once the deck assembly is completed, building authorities will make sure you meet code before a permit is issued. The UCC Administration and Enforcement regulation adopted the 2015 International Building Code and the 2015 International Residential Code (code for one- and two-family dwellings no more than 3 stories in height) throughout Pennsylvania, effective October 1, 2018. Pennsylvania § 403.21. c. Posts which are an integral part of the under or over structure are acceptable if they meet the spacing and strength requirements specified in this section. If possible the toeboard shall be fastened to the post or upright of the railing. (b)  Balustrades. No part of the information on this site may be reproduced for profit or sold for profit. This section cited in 34 Pa. Code §  47.291 (relating to exceptions). Railing shall be installed along the edges of every open-sided floor, working platform, runway or balcony which is 6 feet or more above floor or ground level and along the edges of all other platforms or openings in walls, floors or ground levels where the safety of persons is involved. The ends of railings shall not overhang the terminal posts unless such overhang does not constitute a projection hazard. Projects that require permits and adherence to UCC-adopted building codes under Pennsylvania’s Uniform Construction Code. When chains are used, the spacing, strength and fastening specifications for posts shall be the same as for standard rails. Uniform Construction Code. No toeboards shall be installed on stairways when there is no danger of objects falling on persons working below. Railings are not required around pits and other openings when they are so constructed that the top of the pit or opening is 42 or more inches above floor or ground level. The provisions of this Subchapter G adopted February 10, 1926; amended through August 1, 1968, unless otherwise noted. Learn everything you need to know about installing concrete footings to support your deck. 45 of 1999, which is also commonly referred to as Uniform Construction Code (UCC). The Pennsylvania Code website reflects the Pennsylvania Code Local Building Codes For Decks. Removable pipe railings having the posts supported by sockets are acceptable if the sockets are of a depth not less than 1/3 of the height of the railing and if all sockets are lined with pipe of a diameter large enough to permit ease of insertion and withdrawal of the posts without permitting sidesway. Oiling platform—A raised flooring constructed for the purpose of oiling machinery. The posts or uprights for pipe railings shall be of a diameter not less than the minimum requirement for the top railing. Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code . Prescriptive construction methods recommended meet or exceed minimum requirements of the IRC. Toeboards are not required on oiling platforms. Decks less than 30” high (measured from grade) do not require a Building Permit. Not all townships have zoning at this time. setbacks and variances. (b)  All types of existing installations having posts which are not secured in accordance with the requirements of this subchapter may be required by the Department to have such posts substantially stay braced. (5)  Platforms used for pouring molten metal. You can't build in a setback area. Safe means shall be provided for reaching all elevated platforms. Posts which are an integral part of the under or over structure are acceptable if they meet the spacing requirements of §  47.232 (relating to construction) and strength requirements of §  47.233 (relating to pipe railings). The socket shall be secured to the floor or structural frame by at least four bolts or rivets. (c)  Toeboards shall fit tightly to the floor and fastened by straps or angles secured by bolts or rivets. (4)  Runways used in filling tank cars when equipped with standard railing on one side. 174) (43 P. S. § §  25-1—25-15), unless otherwise noted. BCD303 – Design for Code Acceptance No. Over 90% of Pennsylvania's 2,562 municipalities have elected to administer and enforce the UCC locally, using their own employees or via certified third party agencies (private code enforcement agencies) that they have retained. Decks and enclosed porches must meet zoning setback requirements. The building codes of Pennsylvania adopt the the International Building Code 2015 (IBC 2015), International Energy Conservation Code 2015 (IECC 2015), International Existing Building Code 2015 (IEBC 2015), International Residential Code 2015 (IRC 2015), International Fuel Gas Code 2015 (IFGC 2015), International Mechanical Code 2015 (IMC 2015), International Plumbing Code …